The first words that God spoke to Abram were: “Leave your country, your birthplace, your father’s house” (Genesis 12:1). I have often wondered what might explain Abram’s immediate and unquestioning compliance with this call from God. In order to reflect on Abram’s astonishing faith, I would like to first point out that there is a…

Over 1,000 young Catholics descended on Mount St Joseph Abbey, Roscrea in Co. Tipperary at the weekend for the Youth 2000 Summer Festival. The event, which combines faith, fellowship and craic, has become an annual staple on the Irish religious calendar with buses travelling from all parts of the island. Organisers were delighted with the…

J. Anthony Gaughan This “interview” features Bruce Chatwin (1940-1989) and Eileen Gray (1878-1976). In 1972 it was reported that Chatwin, then still a journalist writing for The Sunday Times Magazine, had interviewed Eileen Gray, the celebrated furniture designer and architect, in her Paris salon.  This was quite a coup for Chatwin in those pre-fame, pre-nomadic days. Shy by nature,…

A group of girls from Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo were among 60 girls who attended the first Michaela Foundation summer camp at Knock Shrine. Back: Holly Browne, Rachel Dillon, Clodagh Byrne, Aoife Carney, Amy Keane. Centre: Grace Omata, Gillian Donnellan, Maeve Donnellan, Alannah Nolan. Front: Brenda Chava, Winnie McDonagh, Hannah Waldron, Emma Graciova and Olivia Halas.

Bishop Donal McKeown, Rev. Peter Murray, Bishop Ken Good, Rev. Lindsay Blair and Fr  Michael Canny pictured at the launch of the 'Tour de Foyle' charity cycle event on Saturday,  August 23 in Derry City to raise funds for the North West Methodist Mission and the  Churches Trust Pantry Project. Register at www.tourdefoyle.co.u